Emergency Makeup!

December 8, 2015

Somewhat recently I had an impromptu stay over at my boyfriend’s and I didn’t have the chance to pack an overnight bag… Fail! that meant I had to run out and buy not only an emergency outfit but also emergency makeup. That’s when I decided I should have a spare makeup bag at his… no point dragging makeup across town every weekend, right?

So I have been slowly been building up a spare set of beauty products at his, with the basics, so I never get caught out in this predicament ever again. These are a few things I have purchased in case of emergency and a few other bits and bobs:

I ran to Superdrug down the road and stacked up on a few basics:

Superdrug Hairspray Extra Firm 75ml (£0.89) – I don’t really like the smell of this one, but it works and luckily it doesn’t last for long. I use it usually to keep the flyaways stuck to my head. I also got a small bottle, so it can fit snuggly in the makeup bag, along with all the other products I’m now stashing away in his bathroom.

I also took advantage of the 3 for 2 promotion and got me some Barry M products – I like Barry M products in general as they are inexpensive and do their job. I picked up some Barry M Eye Define Liquid Eyeliner (£4.79) in black, Barry M Lash Vegas Mascara Black (£6.49) and a Barry M Cream Blush Peach Melba blusher (£4.49). The eyeliner is good and the brush allows for a precise application. The wand on the mascara isn’t all that great (I got used to the Makeup Forever one, that I really like) but the product is decent and does its job with competence. The blusher is OK and it was really the first time I have used cream blusher more than once in a blue moon. I’m not yet sure if I like it, though. I think I still prefer to apply it with a brush, I think I have better control over what I am doing that way.

I have also been using two great Dermalogica products: Sheer Tint SPF20 (£34.80) and Clear Start (£16.15). When it comes to skincare it’s always good use good products as there is no use scrimping on those.

The Sheer Tint (*) shouldn’t be confused with a BB Cream – it’s a lot more lightweight than that. It’s a moisturiser with SPF20 and a very light colour, that won’t cover imperfections entirely but will make it slightly more uniform, maintaining a very natural look, which I like, for a day-to-day look. Very easy to apply and as it has an oil-free formula, it doesn’t feel sticky on your face either. Lord knows I have enough oil as it is!

The Clear Start™ Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion (*) is also a hydrating product but I like to wear it on those days that I’ll just stay at home, lounging around in my pyjamas. It’s like a smoothie to your skin – with all the good minerals your skin needs to feel good. Although it’s directed to teens and young adults, as my skin tends to be oily (I’ve said that already, haven’t I?) I find it rather comfortable as it makes it feel a lot “dryer”.

As we are talking about a set of basic products, a nude and versatile set of eyeshadow is also necessary. The Catrice Chocolate Nudes Eyeshadow Palette was a gift from my friend Sandrine and I’ve been wearing it all the time – the tones are rich, some of them matte and others with some shimmer – with a good pigment payoff that’s easy to blend. I also find that it’s long lasting when worn over a primer. As I’m not that gifted as a makeup artist (I never really practised enough), I ind that with this colour collection I get decent looking results!

Another thing I had to get was the Superdrug Nail Polish Remover Acetone Pot, as there is something worse than being seen without nail polish – and that’s being seen with nail polish that’s coming off. It does its job properly and saves me from feeling self-conscious.

These are my emergency products – what are yours?

PS: Products marked with (*) have been gifted by the brand. Words and opinions are my own.